How to install NSX on existing VDS

[MrVmware9423]

Dear Team,

How we can install NSX on existing VDS without, Could someone please assist on the same.

Thank you in advance...

[VM_Yamato]

Do you mean whether you can install NSX-T without a distributed switch?

If my understanding is correct, you must use a distributed switch.

Because many NSX services relay on the distributed switch.

[MrVmware9423]

Do you mean whether you can install NSX-T without a distributed switch? No, I meant to say that, if we already have a VDS then how to use the same with NSX, so that we don't have to migrate vmkernel etc to other switch if we are going to use the same VDS..

[ShahabKhan]

Firstly, you have to make sure your vDS version is 7.x & MTU set to 1700 or above. Then when creating Host Transport Node profile, you have to select VDS as the virtual switch & after that you get the option to select vCenter & vDS from the drop-down. This profile you will apply to the ESXi cluster.

[MrVmware9423]

What i've understood once we select existing VDS in Host Transport Node profile, then that VDS will be converted to VDS with NSX, please correct me if I'm wrong. if yes, all required VIBS are getting installed on Hypervisor so that the DVPG can also support routing and logical switching provided by NSX.

[ShahabKhan]

Merely creating the Host Transport Node profile will not install the vibs on the hypervisor.

After you have created the Host Transport Node profile, you have to go to System > Nodes > Host Transport Node. Here you will select the cluster which you want to prepare with NSX-T, then click Configure NSX. You will get a pop-up where you have to select the Host Transport Node profile & click OK. Once you do that NSX will start installing the vibs on to the hypervisor.

[MrVmware9423]

Yeah, You are right...

 once we select the existing VDS in the Host Transport Node profile, then that VDS will be converted to VDS with NSX, please correct me if I'm wrong

[ShahabKhan · Accepted solution]

I won't say converted, rather ready to use by NSX-T. If you need to know more about N-VDS & VDS, please refer the link below.

https://nsx.techzone.vmware.com/resource/nsx-t-vds-7-guide#sec1060-sub1